When it comes to choosing the right water heater, two popular options stand out: instant water heaters and storage water heaters. They both have their own advantages and characteristics, and it is up to you to determine which one fits better based on such factors as energy-efficiency, hot water needs, installation, and maintenance. Whether you are building a new home, upgrading your bathroom, or simply replacing an old unit, understanding the differences between these two systems is essential for making an informed decision. This guide to see comparison between instant water heaters vs storage water heaters in Malaysia.
What is Instant Water Heater in Malaysia
An instant water heater in Malaysia refers to a compact electrical appliance that heats water on demand, rather than storing hot water in a tank. When you switch on the tap, the water is immediately heated and you have hot water anytime you need. This is a modern hot water heater system, and it is known to be a great space-saving device that is convenient to install. Instant water heaters are generally more economical as they only warm the water that is actually used and this saves the standby energy wastage that is caused by having hot water in tanks.
Advantages of Instant Water Heater
- Energy Efficiency: Heats water on command minimizing the use of energy.
- Space-Saving: It does not need any bulky tank, thus it would fit well in smaller spaces.
- Even Flow: Instant water heaters have a continuous flow of hot water that suits a household with different water demands.
You may consider this as a great option in case you have a small bathroom in Malaysia. It fits well in the household where more than two people do not require hot water simultaneously.
Disadvantages of Instant Water Heater
- Limited Flow Rate: Not always able to deliver enough hot water to a number of outlets (e.g. shower, tap and washing machine) simultaneously.
- Initial Cost: A few instant water heaters are more costly to purchase initially than storage water heaters.
- High Initial Electrical Load: Requires high power (e.g., 6kW to 10kW or more). May need electrical upgrades or special wiring.
What is Storage Water Heater in Malaysia
Storage water heaters, also known as tank water heaters, are one of the most common types of water heating systems found in homes and businesses. These units maintain a constant amount of water at high temperature. The primary strength of storage water heaters is that it can provide large quantities of hot water simultaneously, which is why it is suitable in bigger families or companies with higher needs in hot water.
Advantages of Storage Water Heaters
- High Water Flow:
Suits well in big families and require hot water simultaneously.
- Immediate Hot Water Supply:
Hot water is stored and available for immediate use, ideal for simultaneous use in households (e.g., showering and washing dishes at the same time).
- Economical to Use Extensively:
In regions where large amounts of water are used, storage water heaters may be even more economical because they supply large amounts of hot water at a lower operating cost over time.
Disadvantages of Storage Water Heater
- Higher Energy Consumption: During the storage of the water, it loses heat adding to the energy used.
- Space Requirement: It needs more space because it has a tank that may not be convenient in case of small homes or buildings.
- Limited Hot Water Supply: When all the stored water has been used then you will have to wait until the tank heats up again.
Instant Water Heater vs Storage Water Heater Table Comparison
| Instant Water Heater | Feature | Storage Water Heater |
| Heats water on demand | Heating Method | Heats and stores water in a tank |
| Instant (within seconds) | Heating Time | Slower (takes several minutes) |
| None | Water Storage Capacity | 10 to 100+ liters |
| Continuous, but limited to one outlet at a time | Hot Water Supply | Limited to tank capacity, but can serve multiple outlets |
| High (no standby heat loss) | Energy Efficiency | Moderate (energy loss due to continuous heating) |
| Compact, wall-mounted | Size & Space Requirement | Bulky, needs more wall or floor space |
| Higher | Initial Cost | Lower |
| May require electrical or plumbing upgrades | Installation Complexity | Simple and standard installation |
| Needs descaling periodically | Maintenance | Needs tank cleaning and occasional servicing |
| Small households, single-bathroom homes | Ideal For | Larger families, multiple-bathroom homes |
| Works best with high-pressure systems | Water Pressure Requirement | Works with both low and high pressure systems |
| 5–10 years | Lifespan | 8–12 years |
How to Choose The Right Water Heater
Select an Instant Water Heater when:
- You have a small family (2-3 persons).
- There is very little room in your bathroom or kitchen.
- You desire saving energy in the long run.
Select a Storage Water Heater when:
- You have a bigger family where there is high use of hot water.
- You require hot water at various points simultaneously.
- In the early days you like a cheaper alternative.
- You have big places to install storage water heater tanks.
Conclusion
The decision to use an instant water heater or a storage water heater is based on your own use and space needs of an electric hot water heater. To find the best instant water heater in Malaysia, you should seek those that are efficient and have high-performance characteristics. It is recommended that you consult with a professional plumber or a technician before making a purchase in order to determine your particular needs.
Why Choose ELTON as Your Water Heater Supplier in Malaysia
When choosing a reliable and experienced water heater supplier, ELTON stands out as a trusted name with over 60 years of manufacturing expertise in Malaysia. Known for their commitment to quality and innovation, ELTON offers a comprehensive range of both instant water heater and storage water heaters, designed to meet the diverse needs of homes, commercial buildings, hotels, hospitals, and industrial facilities.
At ELTON we have a few models including instant water heater M Series, Series 1 without pump and X Series that come with inverter DC pumps. We also have two types of storage water heaters including EH Series and EV Series with small or big capacity from 14L to 100L.
ELTON water heaters are all SIRIM certified which means that they are in compliance with Malaysian safety and quality standards. Customers also benefit from extensive after-sales service, including a 5-year warranty, technical support, and installation to enhance the user experience.
Contact us today and upgrade your water heating system with ELTON MFG now! You can see your warranty here.